by Valerie Breslow, Nutritionist
A large percentage of us are preparing to take flight in the next couple of weeks to head home for a long-awaited visit to celebrate the holidays with family and friends. While this is a fun and exciting time, let’s face it, flying today comes with the added reality of long lines, airport and travel delays, cranky customer service and, might I add in the nicest way possible, distressed parents coping with disgruntled children. It’s the kind of stress that is only exacerbated on an empty stomach! With the discontinuation of high-end food service on most coach flights, it’s now up to the individual to either bring along food from home or purchase a greasy alternative in the airport terminal. For those of us who forget to purchase or bring along food, once onboard our flight, we are expected to subsist on a few stale peanuts proffered by a friendly attendant. Since the fare available for purchase in most airports leans towards the unhealthful side, I’ve put together a short list of items you can squeeze into your over-stuffed, carry-on bag:
1) Raw pumpkin and sunflower seeds. The spicy pumpkin seeds are dehydrated with a little sea salt and jalapeno for an added kick: http://www.goraw.com/
2) Nut butter sandwich made with bread from Food for Life. Toast bread, spread with extra virgin coconut oil, add nut butter (raw almond, walnut or pecan butter) and banana and a dash of cinnamon. For those who want to add a little more sweetness, drizzle some agave on the banana. http://www.foodforlife.com/
3) Kale Chips. The ones from Blessings Alive and Radiant Foods are crunchy snacks packed with minerals and vitamins: http://www.blessingsaliveandradiantfoods.com/kaleinkrunch.html
4) Fruit and nut bars from Larabar: http://www.larabar.com/food/larabar/
5) Cut up organic and raw veggies and fruit: I usually bring along carrots, celery, grape tomatoes, red peppers, cucumbers, apples, grapes, etc.
6) Dark chocolate – this is when we need it most! Love these two brands of organic dark chocolate: http://www.dagobachocolate.com/ http://www.chocolatebar.com/
7) Clean Well hand sanitizer made with anti-bacterial oregano oil (also smells good to spray in the air just in case your seat mate is hygiene-challenged): http://www.cleanwelltoday.com/
8) Calm – powdered magnesium to keep you calm throughout that turbulent flight. Comes in individual packets. Just add hot water (Starbucks offers free hot water): http://www.calmnatural.com/
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